Friday, 27 January 2012

Making more backstory into frontstory

So,
yes, I’ve managed to do it now. I’ve finished the eighth edit. This was all
about tension, which I think is there. It is a little difficult to tell sometimes,
when you’re looking at your own work.

As
is often the case, it’s the other things you notice that are even more
significant. This time I’ve actually expanded some scenes. It’s always about bringing
the reader more into the characters’ moments. So, I’ve added a little extra
scene where Renate finds a new friend.

Most
importantly, I’ve made two bits of Hani’s backstory into short “frontstory”
scenes. I’ve really known for some time that there was too much backstory and too
many flashbacks. Somehow I couldn’t figure out how to fix this. Then suddenly
it was crystal clear. I think also I have a rather stubborn streak that says
enough is enough just before the script is actually ready. Have I overcome that
this time?

So
now, do I also have on the web site and posted on this blog some scenes that have
been expanded? Maybe, especially on the blog, given its nature.

I’ve
also rechecked some logistics about boyfriends’ names and the history of the
Rundbrief. I did have everything correct, but best to check if you’re in doubt.

The upshot of all of this is that the novel, to the
nearest thousand, runs at 100,000 words. Maybe not such a bad thing, given how
much I want it to cross over.